The New York Rangers (18-15-4) travel to face the Nashville Predators (14-16-4) in an inter-conference matchup that could help the Rangers solidify their position in the Metropolitan Division playoff race while the Predators look to climb out of the Central Division basement. This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams, with Nashville riding a hot streak of four wins in their last five games and New York coming off a dramatic comeback victory but dealing with key injuries. The game features contrasting styles: the Rangers’ high-octane offense against the Predators’ improving defensive structure and goaltending.
Venue Location
The game will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Opened in 1996, this multi-purpose venue has a seating capacity of 17,159 for hockey games and is renowned for its energetic atmosphere, often dubbed “Smashville” by fans. It has hosted numerous NHL All-Star events and is equipped with modern amenities, including a large video board and premium suites.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+, with local coverage on MSG 2 for Rangers fans and FanDuel Sports Network South for Predators viewers. Streaming options include ESPN+ and NHL.tv, while radio broadcasts are available on the Predators Radio Network and 105.9 The X for New York.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing injuries, but the Rangers are hit harder with their captain sidelined, potentially impacting leadership and scoring depth. Nashville could see a key forward return, boosting their offense.
New York Rangers Injuries:
J.T. Miller (C, Captain): Out (undisclosed/upper-body injury) sustained in the December 20 game against Philadelphia. He did not travel with the team and is being evaluated further, ruling him out for this matchup.
Artemi Panarin (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed); his status is a game-time decision, which could significantly affect the top line’s production.
One additional unnamed player is listed on the injury report, but details are limited to monitoring.
The Rangers have called up reinforcements from their AHL affiliate to fill gaps, but Miller’s absence strains their forward group and special teams.
Nashville Predators Injuries:
Jonathan Marchessault (C): Day-to-day (lower-body injury); questionable for the game but participated in morning skate and is expected to be a game-time decision.
Ozzy Wiesblatt (RW): Out (undisclosed); placed on injured reserve and will miss this contest.
Justin Barron (D): Out (undisclosed); impacting defensive depth.
The Predators’ injury list is shorter, allowing them to maintain momentum from recent wins if Marchessault suits up.
Player Matchups to Watch
This game highlights offensive stars against stout defenses, with goaltending likely to play a pivotal role in a potentially low-scoring affair.
Artemi Panarin (NYR, if active) vs. Roman Josi (NSH): Panarin’s playmaking (team-leading points) will test Josi’s elite defensive skills and offensive contributions from the blue line.
Filip Forsberg (NSH) vs. Adam Fox (NYR): Forsberg’s shot volume (15 goals) challenges Fox’s puck-moving ability and zone exits on the Rangers’ top pair.
Ryan O’Reilly (NSH) vs. Mika Zibanejad (NYR): A center battle for faceoff dominance and neutral-zone control; O’Reilly’s two-way play could neutralize Zibanejad’s scoring threat.
Igor Shesterkin (NYR, G) vs. Juuse Saros (NSH, G): Expected starters; Shesterkin’s athleticism vs. Saros’ consistency in recent wins could decide the game, especially on special teams.
Steven Stamkos (NSH) vs. Rangers’ Penalty Kill: Stamkos’ power-play prowess (recent multi-goal games) targets New York’s mid-pack PK unit.
These matchups emphasize transition play and special teams, where Nashville’s home advantage might shine.
Team Records
New York Rangers: 18-15-4 (40 points), clinging to a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Nashville Predators: 14-16-4 (32 points), last in the Central Division but showing signs of improvement.
Recent Team Forms
Nashville enters with strong momentum, while New York is looking to build on a key win after a rough patch.
New York Rangers (Last 5 Games): The Rangers snapped a skid with a comeback win but have struggled recently, going 2-3-0 in their last five with an average of 2.8 goals scored and 3.4 allowed. Form: W-L-L-L-W. Their road form has been inconsistent, but goaltending has kept them competitive.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Philadelphia | W 5-4 |
| Dec 18 | vs. St. Louis | L 2-4 |
| Dec 16 | vs. Vancouver | L 0-3 |
| Dec 13 | @ Opponent | L |
| Dec 11 | vs. Opponent | W |
Nashville Predators (Last 5 Games): The Predators have won four of their last five, averaging 4.4 goals scored and 2.8 allowed, showcasing offensive depth. Form: W-L-W-W-W. Their home dominance has been key during this surge.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Toronto | W 5-3 |
| Dec 17 | vs. Carolina | L 1-4 |
| Dec 15 | vs. St. Louis | W 5-2 |
| Dec 13 | @ Opponent | W |
| Dec 11 | vs. Opponent | W |
Series History
The all-time series is relatively even, with the Rangers holding a slight edge in 39 meetings: 21 wins, 17 losses, 1 tie, and 0 overtime losses (55.1% win rate). At Bridgestone Arena, Nashville has a 10-9-1 record against New York. Recent trends show balance, with the road team winning four of the last six encounters. The teams split last season’s series, each winning at home by multi-goal margins.
Betting Trends
Trends: Nashville is 4-1 straight up in their last five games and 5-0 against the spread. The Rangers are 6-12 in their last 18 December games and have failed to cover the puck line in seven straight as favorites. The under has hit in eight of New York’s last 11 as favorites and in 60% of Nashville’s home games this season. Predators have cashed as home underdogs in four of their last six such spots.
Game Odds
New York Rangers 6.5
Nashville Predators – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
